Brando Yelavich (19) began his task of walking down the west coast of New Zealand and up the east coast in February, beginning at Cape Reinga.
He is fundraising for Ronald McDonald House, and has raised more than $8000 so far.
Based in Auckland, the teenager spent a year at Cromwell College as part of an outdoor pursuit programme, and after finishing school he worked at a range of jobs, from being a snowboarding instructor to holding a sandwich board.
Mr Yelavich said he felt his job was going nowhere, and decided to walk the country's coastline.
''I jokingly said it one night, and the next day I looked it up on the internet and thought I had to do it.''
With little training, watching the survival film Into The Wild provided the motivation to put the idea into practice.
''I want to be an inspiration to youth ... It's also never been done before.''
The most challenging part of his journey was being alone for such a long time.
''The scenery is great, but the best part is meeting people.''
He reached Slope Point, the southernmost point of the South Island, last week.
''When I got to Slope Point, the weather was awful, but I finally had that feeling that I was now on my way home. Everything got a lot more positive.''
His 74-year-old grandfather, Lloyd Watson, of Auckland, spent three days walking with him earlier this week, providing great company, Mr Yelavich said.
Following the coastline as closely as possible, Mr Yelavich mainly walks along beaches and farmland, clambering across rocks, and crossing rivers in an inflatable boat.
Largely self-sufficient, he uses a knife, bow, and fishing rod to catch the bulk of his meals. Rabbit, goat, and wild pigs have featured on his menu.
He carries his gear with him, but on the rare occasion when someone looks after his pack and drops it off at his destination, he makes much better time - about 5km an hour without it, instead of 3km an hour.
''I've definitely learned how far I can push myself.''
He expects to reach his starting point, the northernmost tip of New Zealand, at Cape Reinga, next winter, and hopes to write a book about his adventure.
Mr Yelavich expects to leave Kaka Point this morning, following the coastline to the mouth of the Clutha River, which he plans to paddle across in his inflatable.
For more information visit wildboy.co.nz or follow his GPS tracker on followbrando.co.nz.
